Not everyone wants or needs the EV with the biggest battery and the most range—especially if it means a higher price tag.
That seems to be what Kia discovered — with the asterisk — with the EV6. Less than a year after scrapping the lower-priced base Light version of the EV6, which is the only model to offer a smaller 58 kWh battery pack, the affordable version is making a comeback on a limited basis, as first discovered on Friday by partner site CarsLivequote a newsletter sent to dealers.
“Kia is closely following the market and other sellers like VW (ID.4) are offering shorter range models in relatively limited quantities,” said James Hope, US director of product communications. . “Kia only did the same in the Western Region.”
Hope adds that customers who don’t require a longer range will appreciate the value.
From an environmental point of view, that’s also a plus, as the production of the EV6 would then cost less mineral and precious metal resources.
Kia EV6 2022
Kia EV6 2022
Kia EV6 2022
Kia hasn’t said yet whether losing the purchase-related EV tax credit will make any difference in the decision, but it does appear to have taken into account the valuable Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit loophole. $7,500 on rental—so look for some more enticing numbers, as Hyundai recently started offering with Rent Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.
As CarsDirect pointed out, bringing the EV6’s base price back under $45,000 could allow it to once again qualify for the $2,000 California Clean Car Program.
According to that promotional newsletter, availability may be limited to Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
The lamp manages an EPA-rated 232-mile range, and although its DC fast charger’s maximum output is less than 180 kW, it doesn’t take much longer than 18 minutes from 10-80% of the larger 77.4 kwh battery pack. . EV6 models with that larger package are rated for up to 310 miles, though versions with AWD and 20-inch wheels achieve 252 miles with the larger package.
Kia EV6 2022, red, and 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
For 2022, the EV6 Light starts at $42,695 including a mandatory $1,295 destination. The 2023 EV6 lights increase $1,230 to $43,925.
For comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEwith 220 mile range from the base 58 kWh battery pack, priced at $42,785 and base 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 standardwith a 209 mile range from a 62 kWh (58 kWh usable) package that costs $40,290.
